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Bras
Once you know how to buy a properly fitting bra,  it's as though a weight has been lifted off your shoulders. According to Silver Lining, 70% of women are wearing the wrong size bra, Girlawhirl says it's 80%. Either way, that means many of we ladies are lacking proper support as we go about our days. Well, we here at ShopWiki can't measure you in the fitting room, but at we can tell you how to measure yourself for the best support you can find this side of group therapy.
eHow has a simple step-by-step guide to finding your proper size. Basically there are two important measurements: - The chest size (also called the band size). This is the circumference taken around a woman's chest and back (below the breasts) and are shown as numbers such as 32, 34, 36, etc. in the United States.
- The cup size. The cups are the parts of the bra that hold the breasts. Cup sizes are shown as letters - AA, A, B, C, etc.
It's important to get both the chest and cup sizes right to ensure a proper fit. Once you know what size to buy, remember that different brands vary their measurements. If a bra feels like it doesn't fit, it doesn't fit - regardless of what the tag says. Know what supports you and don't be seduced by Italian lace or zebra stripes.
As with all clothing, bras can extend infinitely in any stylistic direction. Want lace bras? Satin bras? Gold lame bras? Cotton bras? Lycra bras? Same options go for color and size. But here are the bra-specific variables below.
What Are the Bra Options?
| Strap Styles |
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Conventional Straps - Perfect under most tops.
- Provide good support and comfort.
- Come in a variety of fabrics and colors.
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Strapless Bras - For strapless tops and gowns.
- Usually don't offer as much support as bras with straps.
- More difficult to find a good fit, as it has to stay put without the help of straps.
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Racer Back Bras - Straps are slightly more stable, but make sure your shirt is cut to suit it.
- Great for sleeveless tops.
- Offers better support for larger breasts.
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Convertible Bras - Removable straps can go one-shouldered, strapless, halter, or cross-backed.
- These can be tricky to figure out, and are often more expensive.
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Backless Bras - For a low-backed top, these often have straps that come around the torso instead of the shoulders.
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| Common Coverages |
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Full Coverage Bras - Comfortable, simple, and easy.
- Well suited to breasts of all sizes.
- Best choice for cups sizes D or bigger.
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Demi Cup Bras - Sexy half-cups aren't as secure feeling, but look great (if you're happy in them).
- More comfortable in smaller cup sizes.
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Push Up Bras - Often with padding, these press the breast up and together, giving any woman more cleavage.
- Generally, more comfortable in wider straps because they literally pull the breasts up and in.
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Deep Plunge Bras - Perfect for very low cut tops.
- Very wearable; they offer good coverage and good display.
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Bustiers - Including torso coverage, often the best strapless option for bigger busts.
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| Wires? |
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Wireless Bras - No problem for small chests, sometimes less constricting for larger chests.
- Soft and comfortable.
- Some women find these lack support.
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Underwire Bras - Give more structure, shape, and support, as long as they're well made.
- Take extra care when washing not to damage wires.
- Some women find them uncomfortable.
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| Other Factors |
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Front Closure Bras - Streamline the back and are easier to put on and take off. Difficult for larger busts.
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Water Bras - More realistic padding than the conventional synthetic fluff. Avoid leaking!
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Lined Bras - Lightly lined throughout the cup for more protection and shape.
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Padded Bras - If you want to add to your bustline consider a bra padded with cotton or synthetic fibers.
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How to Find the Right Bra
Well, bras have to fit three things: your body, your outfit, and your budget. Many women find a style or three that suits them and just stay the course. Brand loyalty can be your friend in the underwear department.
For your budget, you can find bras on sale for $10, for $30-$60, or fancy ones for $80+.
For your outfit, you'll have to take into account: - The cut of your top. Do you need something strapless, or that can accommodate a deep v-neck sweater.
- The fabric. If the shirt is sheer or see-through, you'll need a bra that closely matches your skin tone or the color of your top.
- The tightness, If the bra has any kind of texture to it, it might show through a tighter top.
For your body, you'll have to actually try that sucker on. Look for: - The cups shouldn't wrinkle nor should your breast runneth over. The cup should fit your form and feel good.
- The back strap should lie horizontally across your back, not riding up, even if you bend over.
- The shoulder straps should support very little weight. The bra should stay on, even if you remove the straps. That being said, make sure they fit.
- Support. Jump for a moment. Did that hurt? Try to get a bra that has some effect on your vertical motion. Gravity is very strong and you might as well put up a bit of a fight.
- The center panel (where the cups meet each other) should lie flat against your breastbone. If it leans forward or digs into you, you need a larger size.
- Symmetry. Are your breasts different sizes? Many bras have removable padding for such situations. Fit the larger breast and pad the smaller one.
For Small Breasts -- If you increase your cup size twofold, people will notice. - Better to get a bra with a tad of padding and/or some uplift than for you to try to get away with a whole new chest.
- Easier still? Don't pad at all. Be proud of what you've got.
For Large Breasts -- Don't be afraid to get measured and try on many sizes to find the styles that fit you the best. - Being wed to a specific alphanumeric combination will only lead to frustration and heartache.
- Remember that buying a size too small will not make you look like you have a smaller pair of breasts, but rather will bisect each so that you have four small breasts.
- Wider straps may help give you the support you need and may give your shoulders a break.
- If going strapless, you may have to resort to a bustiere instead of a regular strapless bra ; they're just more supportive.
- And if buying a minimizer bra remember to buy it in your proper size; it's made to reduce the size it calls for.
The best accessory for your breasts is confidence and pride in whatever size and shapes you carry around.
Bra Care
Once you've selected the perfect bra, you're going to want to kept it in good shape. Here are some tips to make your purchase last: - Hand wash those goodies in cold water.
- If you must use a machine, buy a lingerie bag and fasten all hooks before washing wash the bras. Use the cold delicate cycle.
Top Manufacturers
Top Retailers
Related Products
External Links- About.com -- What teens should know before buying a bra.
- BBC -- Holding up large breasts.
- Breast Talk -- A conversion chart for the sizes of all different countries.
- Easy Living Magazine -- Best convertible bras for any outfit.
- SheFinds -- A great bra guide, including favorite bras from readers and editors.
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